Top Musical Artists from Kobe
Jan 29, 2024 By Justin Hanus
Although it’s only a small city, Kobe is the birthplace of numerous musical artists of a range of genres. Checking out their music is a great way to gain a feel for what Kobe is about. Masaaki Suzuki In addition to being a musician, Masaaki Suzuki is a conductor and...[ Click to read more ]
Packing the Right Clothes for Kobe in the Winter
Dec 27, 2023 By Justin Hanus
The weather varies greatly across Japan in the winter. Hokkaido is the coldest, with temperatures reaching as low as -11.4 ºC (11.5 ºF), whereas the Nanpo and Bonin Islands have a tropical climate year round. With mild winters, Kobe is somewhere in between. Using the average temperatures will help you...[ Click to read more ]
Best International Schools in Kobe
By Justin Hanus
It may not be among the most famous cities in Japan but Kobe is one of the best locations for international schools outside of Tokyo. This is on account of its diverse expat community, meaning that those moving to the city with kids have plenty of choice when it comes...[ Click to read more ]
Sample Kansai Utility Bills and Usage Notices
Dec 04, 2023 By Admin
In Japan, residents are signed up for water, electricity, gas and Internet as utility payments - with the exclusion of some properties that have no gas, and are all electric (or "all-denka"), or have Internet costs included as part of the rent. Electricity, gas and Internet are billed monthly, while...[ Click to read more ]
Public Transport in Kobe
Oct 27, 2023 By Justin Hanus
One of the three main cities in the Kansai region, Kobe has good transport links that can get you around the city, the outskirts and further afield. Between 2-3 hours from Tokyo by train, it also has its own airport and seaport. Most of the city center parts can be...[ Click to read more ]
How to Get an ETC Card in Japan
Oct 19, 2023 By Justin Hanus
To pay the expressway tolls in Japan, it helps to have an Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) card. This allows you to make automatic cashless payments instead of needing to stop at tollbooths and pay in cash. There are even special lanes at the tolls for holders of ETC cards, which...[ Click to read more ]
Best Gyms in Kobe
Sep 28, 2023 By Justin Hanus
Whether living in Kobe or spending some time in the city, you may want to hit the gym at some point. You have plenty of options, including day passes (which are called “visitor” in Japan). You’ll need an ID, such as your passport, to join a gym. You’ll also need...[ Click to read more ]
Mountain Treks in Kansai
Aug 28, 2023 By Justin Hanus
Japan is well-known for its vibrant and colorful city life, but beyond its urban sprawl, there is some magnificent natural scenery that makes the place a hiker’s paradise. The Kansai region, home to cities such as Osaka and Kyoto, has an abundance of mountains across its districts. With autumn fast...[ Click to read more ]
Boat Trips in Kansai
Jul 24, 2023 By Justin Hanus
With so many picturesque waterways spread across the region, Kansai is the perfect Japanese location for a boat trip. Whether you fancy a relaxing cruise or a white-knuckle downriver jaunt, there are no shortage of boating opportunities. Here is a choice selection of trips guaranteed to provide a winner of...[ Click to read more ]
Fruit Picking in Kansai
Jul 23, 2023 By Justin Hanus
Picking fresh fruit is a popular – and refreshing – pastime in Japan. In the Kansai region, there are many farms and orchards where you can roam around and pluck produce straight from the plant. You pay either by weight or time slot, depending on the farm. Some farms, in...[ Click to read more ]
